Altronix BC400SG Wall-Mount Steel Enclosure
The Altronix BC400SG is a compact steel wall-mount enclosure designed to centralize security infrastructure and backup power in space-constrained installations. Measuring 15.5"H x 12.25"W x 4.5"D, this unit combines equipment mounting with an integrated battery shelf — meaning you mount your power supplies, controllers, and relay modules on one side while reserving dedicated shelf space for batteries on the other. This compartmentalization reduces the risk of accidental contact with high-voltage terminals and keeps backup power organized and accessible for routine maintenance or replacement cycles.
Key Features
- Integrated battery shelf: Dedicated mounting surface holds backup batteries without occupying general equipment space — critical when cabinet real estate is measured in inches, not feet.
- Steel construction: Rigid enclosure body resists physical tampering and provides EMI shielding for low-voltage control circuits. Heavier than plastic alternatives, so installation requires proper wall anchors rated for the loaded weight.
- Compact footprint: 15.5" height fits above or below standard door frames, over switch gear, or in utility closets where larger 19" rack enclosures won't fit. The 4.5" depth keeps the unit tight to the wall, minimizing protrusion into hallways or equipment rooms.
- Cam lock security: Single-point lock mechanism prevents casual intrusion into the enclosure — adequate for low-risk deployments, but consider a dual-lock upgrade if the cabinet houses credentials or high-value modules.
- Wall-mount installation: No floor footprint required. Saves valuable floor space in retrofit scenarios where floor-standing racks are impractical or where building codes restrict equipment placement.
- Lifetime Limited Warranty: Manufacturer backs the enclosure against manufacturing defects for the life of the product — covers the frame and cabinet, not wear items like locks or hinges if abused.
Deployment Scenarios
Access control power backup: Mount an AC/DC power supply for door locks, badge readers, and request-to-exit sensors on the main mounting surface, then place a battery module on the shelf. When AC fails, the battery automatically energizes the system for emergency egress. The 4.5" depth keeps the unit from blocking door swing clearance.
Distributed surveillance nodes: In multi-building campuses, mount a small PoE injector or managed switch on the enclosure, with batteries on the shelf to bridge power gaps. The cam lock protects against unauthorized reconfiguration while field teams can swap batteries without tools.
Access control relay expansion: Pair the BC400SG with an Altronix relay module to control multiple door strikes, shunts, or audible alerts from a central point. The battery shelf holds the UPS module that keeps the relay logic powered during outages.
Physical & Environmental
Mounting requires wall anchors appropriate to the loaded weight (battery mass varies; confirm your battery module's weight before final installation). The enclosure itself is not rated for outdoor weather — avoid direct rain, high humidity, or temperature extremes beyond standard indoor ranges. If outdoor mounting is required, consider an outdoor-rated power supply enclosure in the same Altronix family.
Integration & Compatibility
The BC400SG is a passive mounting platform; it does not perform power conversion, battery charging, or switching on its own. Pair it with an Altronix power supply module (such as the ALTRP series) and a compatible battery UPS (commonly 12VDC or 24VDC backup modules). Verify that your chosen power supply and battery fit within the internal mounting surface and shelf depth before ordering.
When to Choose a Different Model
If you need larger equipment footprint or multiple isolated circuits, consider a full-height enclosure in the Altronix lineup. If outdoor weather protection is mandatory, specify a weatherproof box with gasket sealing. If total system capacity exceeds 100W continuous draw, evaluate a larger cabinet to manage thermal dissipation from the power supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the weight capacity of the battery shelf on the BC400SG?
A: Shelf weight capacity is not specified in the available documentation. Confirm the combined weight of your batteries and any mounting hardware with the manufacturer or distributor before installation.
Q: Can I mount the BC400SG on a metal stud wall?
A: Yes, but use anchors rated for the loaded enclosure weight. Steel construction means the BC400SG will be heavy once populated with batteries and power supplies — magnetic stud finders will help locate studs, and use lag bolts or heavy-duty toggle anchors rated for at least 1.5× the expected load.
Q: Is the BC400SG suitable for outdoor installations?
A: No. The enclosure is designed for indoor use. Rain, direct sunlight, and temperature swings will degrade the cam lock and metal finish. Use an outdoor-rated enclosure if weather exposure is required.
Q: Does the cam lock come with keys?
A: Key configuration is not detailed in the product documentation. Verify lock configuration and key availability with the manufacturer or order separately if needed.
Q: What internal clearances should I plan for?
A: Interior space is roughly 15.5"H x 12.25"W minus the battery shelf depth. Measure your power supply module and battery dimensions before purchase to ensure components fit without obstruction or pressure on cables.
Q: Is there a warranty on the battery shelf or internal components?
A: The Lifetime Limited Warranty covers the enclosure frame and cabinet; batteries and power supplies are typically sold separately and carry their own warranties from their respective manufacturers.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Altronix BC400SG solves a real integration problem: you need to mount a power supply and batteries side by side, but a full 19" rack is overkill and doesn't fit the space. The 4.5" depth and 15.5" height make this enclosure a practical choice for retrofit access control upgrades or small surveillance nodes where floor real estate is already spoken for. The integrated battery shelf keeps battery modules physically separated from AC/DC supply terminals, reducing the risk of accidental short circuits during hot-swap maintenance.
Technical Highlights:
- Compact dimensions (15.5"H × 12.25"W × 4.5"D): Fits wall space above door frames or in utility closets without requiring floor footprint — a key advantage in facilities where cabinet sprawl is restricted by building codes or floor loading limits.
- Steel construction: Provides rigidity and EMI shielding for low-voltage control circuits, but adds weight. Plan for proper wall anchors rated for the loaded cabinet (battery + power supply weight). Magnetic stud finders and lag bolts are non-negotiable for this install.
- Battery shelf compartmentalization: Keeps high-voltage backup modules isolated from signal-level relay and controller terminals. This layout reduces cross-talk and makes scheduled battery replacement faster — you're not fishing cables around a crowded supply board.
Deployment Considerations:
- Wall anchor selection is critical: The BC400SG is not light, especially once loaded with batteries and a power supply. Drywall anchors alone will fail. Use lag bolts into studs or heavy-duty toggle anchors rated for at least 1.5× the total loaded weight. This is not negotiable — a dropped cabinet full of batteries is a liability.
- Interior depth constrains component selection: The 4.5" depth limits your options for power supplies and batteries. Many standard 12V/24V modules are deeper than 4". Measure component footprints before you order — a 5" deep power supply doesn't fit, and forcing one will crush internal wiring.
- Cam lock is adequate for low-risk sites only: A single-point lock is fine if the cabinet sits in a locked utility room. If it's accessible to field staff or public areas, consider a secondary lock or cable tie arrangement to prevent unauthorized reconfiguration.
- Not rated for outdoor weather: This is an indoor-only enclosure. Sun, rain, and temperature swings will corrode the cam lock and metal finish. If your site requires external mounting, spec an outdoor-rated box.
Deploy the BC400SG when you need to consolidate a small power system (controller + backup battery) in a space-constrained indoor location — retrofits in existing buildings, distributed access control nodes, or small surveillance system backups. Skip this model if you're building a large enterprise deployment or if outdoor weather protection is in the requirements.
